Establishing and Strengthening a Culture-Sensitive Peacebuilding Strategy for Papua New Guinea

Abstract

This In Brief is adapted from my presentation to a panel with the theme of ‘Dialogues for peace: Is there a need for a national peace strategy?’ at the 2025 PNG Update conference. My response to this question is ‘Yes’. Given the current situation, the intergroup conflicts, crimes, violence, and killings in Papua New Guinea (PNG) have reached epidemic proportions. The presentation was based on my knowledge of local content as a Papua New Guinean. I am the voice of my people, as I am part and parcel of the conflict. As a Papua New Guinean, I realise that one of the root causes of many problems in PNG is culture and the associated beliefs and values. I will discuss the influence of culture and religion, with a special focus on developing and strengthening a culture-sensitive peacebuilding strategy for PNG.